Chris Johnson Injury: Updates on Cardinals Star's Leg and Recovery

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson could play in the Super Bowl if his team makes it that far despite a leg injury he suffered that cost him time at the end of the season.

Continue for updates.

Johnson 'Ready to Go Right Now'

Sunday, Jan. 24

Johnson hasn't played since a Nov. 29 contest against the San Francisco 49ers because he suffered a fractured tibia. At the time, it was a devastating blow to the running back and the Cardinals because he was well on his way to a 1,000-yard campaign at age 30 as a driving force in the dangerous offense.

Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports passed along an update from Jay Glazer of Fox Sports that said the Cardinals will activate Johnson if they defeat the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Johnson commented on his status, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today:

God-willing, we get there, and then, it’s showtime.

[...]

It’s a difference when you’re out there running straight ahead and running cuts like with the trainer. But when you actually get back to practice and are able to run plays and all that stuff, getting back the trust in it, it just feels good.

[...]

I’m playing. I’m ready to go right now.

Johnson tallied 814 rushing yards and three touchdowns before the injury and looked more like the running back who finished with six consecutive seasons of more than 1,000 rushing yards (including 2,006 in 2009) with the Tennessee Titans than the one who struggled in 2014 with the New York Jets.

Fortunately for the Cardinals, they were one of the best teams in the NFL this season because of a potent offense and had enough pieces to remain afloat without Johnson.

Quarterback Carson Palmer was an MVP candidate, and wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown represent a talented trio who can beat defenders deep with speed and athleticism and over the middle with solid hands and precise route running. Rookie running back David Johnson also racked up 581 rushing yards, 457 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns and carried the load after Chris Johnson went down.

Arizona is already one of the best teams in the league. The addition of its primary running back would make it even more potent.